By Prashirwin Naidu
Sometimes, the body whispers for rest long before the mind admits it. That’s where I found myself not too long ago, craving a change of scenery, a pause, and a time out from routine. So, my partner-in-crime, Jessyca Primo, and I decided that a little escape was in order. We packed light, left the familiar behind for a moment, and set our GPS to River Meadow Manor.
What made this escape amusing from the start was that it wasn’t a far-off destination or a long, scenic road trip. River Meadow sits close enough to home that we could get there without the stress of travel, yet far enough to create the illusion of leaving life behind. It felt like stepping into a pocket of peace, tucked away just on the outskirts of the city, wrapped in greenery and an old-world charm that made you forget how close it was to everyday reality.
Upon arrival, that charm was immediately evident. The estate-like setting, the long driveway, the tall trees lining the property, the tranquillity of it all; it promised the escape I had been longing for. The check-in process was smooth, though admittedly, the atmosphere inside wasn’t quite what I expected. There was a noticeable stillness —not the calming, spa-like serenity one hopes for, but a distant, almost distracted mood hanging in the air. The staff moved as though they were physically present but emotionally elsewhere, and it took away from what could have been a warm, welcoming first impression.
I recall asking the receptionist for her thoughts on dinner and whether the hotel restaurant was worth a try. Her response, flat and detached, lacked enthusiasm. There was no sparkle in her eye, no pride in the hotel’s offering, not even a casual recommendation. It left us feeling rather uninspired to dine in, and so we chose to venture out instead. For two hungry souls craving both flavour and fun, the choice was easy. We headed to RocoMamas, a lively, no-frills spot we had been wanting to revisit, and that decision turned out to be one of the highlights of the evening. It was fast, vibrant, indulgent, and precisely what the moment needed. By the time we returned to the hotel with satisfied appetites, the energy felt lighter.
Where River Meadow truly redeemed itself was behind the door of our suite. The moment we stepped in, it felt like a reward for the day. The room was spacious with an elegant open- plan layout that exuded understated luxury. A massive king-sized bed dominated the centre, inviting and irresistibly plush, the kind that promises deep, uninterrupted sleep. There was a coffee machine neatly stationed, waiting to brew the kind of comforting warmth only a hotel-morning coffee can provide. But nothing compared to what quickly became my favourite part of the entire stay: the bathroom.
For someone who has always romanticised long baths, scented bubbles, candlelight reflections against white walls, and the complete escapism of soaking in warm water, that bathtub was a dream come true. Large, perfectly designed for two, it invited us to slow down, to linger, and wind down. In that bathroom, with laughter echoing against tiled walls and conversations flowing freely, it felt like we had created our own little sanctuary.
And maybe that’s the true magic of getaways like this. It isn’t always the hotel service, the food, or the polished hospitality that defines the trip. Sometimes, it’s the simple joy of being away with someone who understands you, the shared silence, the stolen giggles, the time devoted to just existing beyond responsibility. Our stay at River Meadow Manor may not have been perfect, but it gave us what we needed most: a moment to reconnect, to breathe, and to create memories we will hold onto with warmth.
In the end, the escape did its job — not by sweeping us into luxury, but by giving us space to share a little piece of life, together.
